GOP Reps. Matt Gaetz and Tom Reed face ethics investigations in House
By: Savannah Behrmann (USA TODAY)
fake xtian family values ...
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Reed originally denied wrongdoing but later apologized to former lobbyist Nicolette Davis. In March, the Washington Post reported that while intoxicated, Reed rubbed Davis' back, moved his hand outside her shirt, unfastened her bra and continued to grope her in a bar in Minneapolis.
More:Adam Kinzinger becomes first Republican in Congress to call for Matt Gaetz's resignation amid federal investigation
More:Woman accuses Rep. Tom Reed of sexual misconduct; congressman denies allegations
Ethics Committee Chairman Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., and Ranking Member Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., released on Friday afternoon similar, individual statements about the separate investigations.
"The Committee is aware of public allegations" against both congressmen, the two statements say. "The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), has begun an investigation and will gather additional information regarding the allegations."
"The Committee notes that the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules," both statements conclude.
The committee said it is additionally looking into allegations against Gaetz about illicit drug use, bribery, use of campaign funds for personal expenses and sharing "inappropriate videos on the House floor."
Reed recently announced he would not run for reelection or for New York governor in 2022 and "therefore will be retiring from public service on January 2nd, 2023."
"In reflection, my personal depiction of this event is irrelevant," he said in a statement about the allegations against him. "Simply put, my behavior caused her pain, showed her disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility."
Gaetz, who gained national attention as one of former President Donald Trump's most ardent supporters in Congress, has painted the allegations against him as part of a political attack and, when the news first broke, as part of an extortion scheme. He has said he is "absolutely not resigning."
More:Rep. Matt Gaetz says he is 'absolutely not resigning' in op-ed amid reports of sex crime investigation
In a statement Friday, his office said the allegations "are blatantly false and have not been validated by a single human being willing to put their name behind them."
Gaetz did not discuss the specifics of the investigation in a speech Friday to a conservative group, but told supporters that political enemies are lying about him because he is a threat to their power.
"They aren't really coming for me - they're coming for you," Gaetz told attendees at a "Save America Summit" held at Donald Trump's Doral golf club in Miami. "I'm just in the way."
Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector who is indicted on more than 30 federal charges, is negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors. Among other crimes, Greenberg is charged with child sex trafficking. According to the Times, Greenberg is accused of trafficking the teen whose relationship with Gaetz is under investigation, and Greenberg and Gaetz allegedly made payments to several of the same women for sex.
The Times and Fox News both reported Gaetz had sought blanket preemptive pardons for himself and others in Congress during the final days of Trump's presidency.
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I'd say 10 years minimum at club fed is starting to look a bit real for matt, the roger stone wannabe. since he's hired his hero's criminal defense attorney and then got himself another one that specializes in sex crime defenses. as for reed? who? oh yeah, the republican congressman that won't have a sexual predator dot following him around on the net till he croaks. ha ha ha
He is at best a scum bucket.
He has no shame.
The Party of "Family Values" that ole 45 did showcase for all... Does anyone else wonder how and why this is the party that believes they can dictate morality and ethics to US All ?